Discover how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws inspiration from various genres, including JRPGs, and get a sneak peek at its first character trailer.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Journey Towards Release
Honoring the Legacy of JRPGs
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an eagerly anticipated turn-based RPG that integrates unique real-time mechanics to enhance player immersion and interaction. The game pays homage to the classic JRPG genre, drawing significant inspiration from iconic titles like Final Fantasy. During the 2025 Game Developers Conference, GamesRadar+ had the opportunity to discuss the game's influences with Expedition 33 Producer François Meurisse.
Meurisse highlighted that games like Final Fantasy 10, as well as earlier PlayStation titles such as Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9, played a pivotal role in shaping Expedition 33. "These are the games that left a lasting impact on Guillaume [Broche], our game director," Meurisse explained. "He envisioned a modern take on the turn-based style of Final Fantasy, while also blending in a variety of other inspirations. JRPGs and Final Fantasy, in particular, form the cornerstone of our gameplay heritage."
While the gameplay mechanics echo JRPG traditions, Meurisse emphasized the team's desire to craft a distinctive experience. "For the art style, we consciously avoided mimicking Japanese games with manga-like or anime-like graphics," he said. "Instead, we drew upon the early 20th-century Belle Époque and art deco elements, infusing them with high fantasy to forge our unique visual identity. It took several iterations, but this approach allowed us to carve out our own niche within the genre."
Diverse Inspirations
Beyond JRPGs, Expedition 33 also incorporates elements from souls-like games, specifically Sekiro, for its defense mechanics. "The defense system is heavily inspired by Sekiro and From Software's games," Meurisse noted. "It introduces a rhythmic element and a more real-time aspect, making it more skill-based."
Additionally, the game integrates mechanics from deckbuilding games into its battle sequences. "Instead of traditional magic points or mana, we use action points for skills in battles, drawing inspiration from deckbuilding games," Meurisse elaborated.
Unveiling the First Character Trailer
As Expedition 33 gears up for its release, the game will introduce new characters weekly. On March 13, the official Twitter (X) account of Expedition 33 unveiled a trailer featuring Gustave, a resourceful and dedicated engineer from Lumière. Gustave is poised to lead Expedition 33 in their mission to defeat the Paintress and prevent her from painting death once more.
In the trailer, Gustave is shown wielding a sword and pistol as his primary combat tools. He navigates the overworld with agility, jumping from one point to another. The combat scenes depict Gustave dealing significant damage to enemies and showcasing a variety of skills. However, the developers have yet to disclose detailed information about character roles and related mechanics.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is scheduled for release on April 24, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news and developments by following our coverage below!
